A group plan for determining adolescents’ attitudes and reactions toward body piercing and to help young people brainstorm creative ways to meet and affirm their needs.

OVERVIEW

There are a variety of reasons expressed for the current trends of body piercing, tattooing, and scarring. Youth leaders can help kids meet some of these same needs and discover alternatives for self-expression and spirituality. The young people must first be understood.

LEADER PREPARATION

• Select and make several copies of a few current articles on body decoration.
• Visit a nearby tattoo/body piercing parlor. Talk to the owner, artists, and a few clients about tattoos/piercings. Learn about the motivations of clients.
• Based on the articles and interviews, develop some specific, appropriate questions for the group.
• List several alternative ways that caring adults can work to validate and affirm the sentiments desired by tattoos and piercings.
• Brainstorm ways that you think kids can creatively express themselves and have their relational needs met. Consider how you might guide them to discover some of these ideas.
• Gather pictures from National Geographic and Life magazines depicting tribal and indigenous people with body paint and body piercings. Find several pictures from current print ads and articles sporting the same.

GROUP BUILDING

Begin the meeting with songs and a light, fun, "feel-good" group activity. Using the loose, interactive atmosphere, transition into group presentation.

GROUP PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION

• While introducing the topic (use insights gleaned from articles and parlor interviews), distribute sets of pictures (old and new) from magazines. Visual aids can stimulate discussion.
• Ask the group if they know anyone with tattoos or piercings. Why did those people get tattooed or pierced? Do they like it? Why or why not?
• Divide into small groups. Have each group read the articles collected and answer these questions:
  • What are some reasons you have heard for someone getting pierced?
  • Has body piercing become trendy or is it still a "fringe" activity?
  • Do you agree or disagree with most of these articles?
  • Is body piercing an effective means of self-expression? What do you think it expresses?
  • Are you able to see past someone’s appearance to what is inside? Do you think people who are into body decoration want that?
  • Are there spiritual reasons or benefits received from piercing, tattooing, or scarring?
  • What are the pressures you face regarding your appearance? How are they manifested in your daily life? Which is the most difficult pressure? What would help you the most in your struggle?
• Bring the small groups together. Share answers and brainstorm alternatives for creative expression and meeting expressed needs.

WRAP-UP

Before the session is over, be sure to address the following:

• Suggest that there are many creative, productive ways to express oneself.
• Offer spiritual truths which affirm their value as human beings.
• Assure the group that you heard their concerns and responses.
• Agree with the group that appearance is important, but remind them that one’s heart is more important.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

Leaders need to discuss the session, sharing insights that they gleaned from listening to the small groups. Devise a plan to reinforce their intrinsic value, affirm their appearance, and help them deal with the issues they raised. Perhaps another meeting can directly address some of their concerns. Most importantly, remember these issues as you work with these kids on an ongoing basis.

Carol E. Robertson cCYS